The indispensable pillars that constitute a nation include government, the private sector and civil society. For any nation to continually progress, it must ensure that these pillars are constantly strengthened and that they remain – not just functional and healthy, but also evolve with the times.
As the UAE celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the country can trace its rapid and holistic development to these aforementioned pillars. The government and private sector have played stellar roles in the UAE's progress. But as the country's leaders have frequently acknowledged, the contributions of the people, of civil society, in the process of nation-building have been no less crucial.
The UAE’s society has progressed with figures from all sectors leading the way. Steps such as the golden visa and residency permits for those people who distinguish themselves in their chosen fields have recently indicated how the UAE places a premium on individual merit.
For their contribution to the development of Abu Dhabi, a dozen people across a spectrum – from humanitarians involved in volunteer work to militarymen, conservationists and those in the healthcare sector – notable people, men and women, Emiratis and overseas citizens, were this week duly awarded for their contributions to the growth of the capital, and ultimately, to that of the country.
As Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces said: “The UAE’s values continue to reflect the deeply held faith of our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed in the kindness, humanity, and generosity of people."
For a country to shine the spotlight on members of society is telling sign of the ambition of a nation
The idea of growth of a community and individual contributions are central to what makes a healthy society and by extension, a developed country. Indeed, smart governance and a thriving economy are only two aspects of the UAE's success story. As the country has grown over the years, so has the role of civil society.
The inspiration that these 12 outstanding members of the community offer their contemporaries and residents of the country, and beyond the UAE's borders, cannot be overstated. This is all the more relevant and especially true during the pandemic, when society has been hit hard in countless ways. In such trying times, examples of others doing good work can be buoying and a great propelling force for an individual to strive harder and do more. Importantly, these awards are bound to inspire young people to aim high. It's not just about inspiring the young though. The motivation to excel, to achieve and to give back to the community is a meaningful endeavour, applicable to all, the value of which is immeasurable.
For a country to shine the spotlight on members of society is a telling sign of the ambition of a nation. Such steps also inspire people, regardless of demographic, to realise their talents and push the limits of their skill, enterprise and determination. It is when civil society strives to do its best and give back, that is when a country is truly rewarded.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Health Valley
Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The five pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Read more about the coronavirus
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
